Video: How to do Judo breakfalls - Judo basics by BeyondGrappling. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
Ukemi teaches you to fall without injury by spreading impact and protecting your head. Every judoka learns it before learning to throw.
3 key details
- Tuck your chin hard to protect your head.
- Slap the mat with your whole arm at about 45 degrees.
- Exhale as you land.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Back breakfall from sitting
- 2:00Back breakfall from squat
- 3:00Side breakfall, both sides
- 2:00Forward roll (soft surface only)
- 1:00Neck stretch
Safety
Only practice on a proper mat or very soft surface. Never practice rolls on hard floors.
Instructor disclaimer
Follow your instructor's version. Schools and styles teach this technique differently. This page is general education, not a substitute for qualified instruction.
